Why the Backstreet Boys' biggest hit makes absolutely no sense, even to them

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Backstreet Boys' signature 1999 ballad is a global pop phenomenon, yet its lyrics have baffled critics and fans for decades. Despite its nonsensical phrasing, the song became a defining anthem of its era. Discover the story behind the track that even its own creators admit is a lyrical mystery.

Released in April 1999, 'I Want It That Way' was initially a point of contention for the Backstreet Boys and their label, Zomba Recording. The group fought to release the mid-tempo ballad as the lead single from their album Millennium, despite executives fearing its vague lyrics and slower pace would alienate their core fanbase. The song was written by Max Martin and Andreas Carlsson, with Martin and Kristian Lundin producing. Carlsson later revealed that the iconic chorus was a result of trial and error; they struggled to find a second verse that matched the opening lines, eventually settling on a combination that sounded great but lacked logical cohesion.

The lyrical confusion stems from the title phrase itself. Critics like Ben Westhoff and Andrew Unterberger have pointed out that the song never defines what 'that' refers to, and the sentiments in the chorus seem to contradict the verses. Even band member Kevin Richardson admitted the song does not make much sense, noting that Martin’s grasp of English was limited at the time. However, the band later offered a playful, retroactive interpretation on Twitter, suggesting the song is actually about rejecting a partner's desire for heartaches and distance.

Despite the semantic ambiguity, the song’s impact is undeniable. It reached number one in over 25 countries and became the group's first music video to hit one billion views on YouTube in 2021. Its legacy is cemented by its frequent appearance in pop culture, from parodies by Blink-182 to its inclusion in films like Magic Mike XXL and the television show Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Whether it is a 'masterclass in boy band balladry' or a nonsensical earworm, the track remains a quintessential piece of 1990s music history that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

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